Here in New England

Tuesday

Oct 2, 2012 at 6:00 AM

BOSTON — The premiere of the Smithsonian Channel’s documentary on a papyrus fragment that purports to show Jesus referring to his wife has been delayed until further tests can be done amid doubts about the fragment’s authenticity.

Research about the fourth-century papyrus fragment was released last month by Harvard Divinity School professor Karen King. She said it didn’t prove Jesus was married, only that some early Christians believed he was.

The text, written in Coptic, contains a dialogue in which Jesus refers to “my wife,” whom he identifies as Mary. He also says she can be his disciple.

Christian tradition has long held that Jesus was unmarried. Any evidence to the contrary would shake up debates about priestly celibacy and the role of women in the church.

The Smithsonian Channel promoted the fragment as “one of the most significant discoveries of all time.” After scholars began questioning it, the channel initially said it had no plans to delay the broadcast. But later it decided to postpone the Sept. 30 premiere.

The channel’s general manager, Tom Hayden, said the upcoming show “will take into account the upcoming tests as well as the academic response to the initial announcement.”

MERIDEN, Conn. — State and federal officials on Monday announced $121 million in federal funding for a high-speed rail project between New Haven and Springfield, Mass.

The 62-mile project calls for service every 30 minutes during peak periods and every 60 minutes at other times. Speeds would reach up to 110 miles an hour.

“Achieving this milestone means we can complete the design and construction of new track, signal and communication systems, bridge and station infrastructure improvements between New Haven and Hartford and provide an economic boon for the region,” Malloy said.

The $121 million will be combined with $174 million in state bond financing. The funding announced on Monday brings to $191 million the federal commitment to the project. In total, $365 million in state and federal funding has been committed to the Connecticut portion of the New England rail system.

Service is expected to begin in 2016, when service aboard 12 trains a day will be increased to 34, or 17 round trips.

PORTSMOUTH, N.H. — A psychologist accused of running a prostitution business out of his apartment in Portsmouth has pleaded not guilty.

Alexander Marino also pleaded not guilty to possession of a controlled drug. He was released on bail Monday. WMUR-TV reported defense lawyer John Driscoll said Marino is looking forward to clearing his name.

Earlier this year, police started investigating allegations involving different women bringing various men from the pool area of Marino’s apartment complex to the apartment for short periods of time. Officers conducting surveillance also believed drugs were being used.

Marino was arrested in August. The state board of mental health has temporarily suspended his license to practice. Marino had an office in Exeter and specialized in treating post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, panic disorder and insomnia.